Mac and cheese meatloaf casserole – Cheesy, meaty, and layered with comfort, this all-in-one dish delivers bold flavor in every hearty bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Two classics in one: Combines the best of meatloaf and macaroni and cheese
- Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike
- Cheesy and comforting: Loaded with melty mozzarella and cheddar
- Crowd-pleaser: Great for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or game day
- Layered flavors: Smoky BBQ, savory beef, and creamy pasta in one bite
- Easy to prepare: Simple steps using pantry staples
- Make-ahead option: Assemble ahead and bake later
- Versatile: Easily adapted with your favorite cheese or pasta shapes
- Satisfying: High in protein and full of flavor
- One-pan meal: Meat and sides all baked into one delicious casserole
Ingredients
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 30 Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1 (2 oz) packet Lipton onion soup mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce
- 3 cups macaroni noodles
- 2 cups milk
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, onion soup mix, and eggs. Mix thoroughly
- In a separate bowl, mix ketchup and barbecue sauce. Add half of this mixture to the meat mixture and blend well
- Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Spread the remaining ketchup-barbecue sauce mixture over the top
- Bake for 30 minutes
- While the meatloaf is baking, cook macaroni noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside
- In a large bowl, whisk together milk and condensed cheddar cheese soup until smooth. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder; mix well
- Stir in cooked macaroni and 2 cups of the shredded cheese blend until evenly combined
- After the meatloaf has baked for 30 minutes, remove it from the oven. Spread the macaroni and cheese mixture evenly over the meatloaf layer
- Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese blend over the top
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 17–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving
Servings And Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Calories: Approx. 549 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture
- Different cheeses: Swap in pepper jack, gouda, or sharp white cheddar
- Pasta variety: Try shells, rotini, or penne instead of elbow macaroni
- Lighter option: Use ground turkey and low-fat cheese
- Vegetable boost: Add sautéed onions, spinach, or bell peppers to the macaroni layer
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezing: Freeze fully baked and cooled casserole in portions for up to 2 months
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven, covered, for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions until hot
FAQs
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead Of Time?
Yes, assemble the full casserole up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Add a few extra minutes to the second baking time if chilled
Do I Have To Use Sweet Baby Ray’s Sauce?
No, any barbecue sauce you enjoy will work in this recipe
Can I Use Breadcrumbs Instead Of Crackers?
Yes, use about 1 cup of seasoned or plain breadcrumbs in place of the crushed Ritz crackers
What Type Of Cheese Works Best?
A blend of mozzarella and cheddar melts beautifully, but feel free to customize with your favorites
Can I Use Store-Bought Mac And Cheese Instead?
Yes, to save time, use prepared mac and cheese for the top layer
How Do I Know When It’s Fully Cooked?
Use a thermometer to ensure the meatloaf layer reaches 160°F before adding the macaroni topping
What Can I Serve With This Casserole?
A crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or garlic bread pairs nicely
Can I Make This Without Eggs?
Eggs help bind the meatloaf, but you can try a flaxseed egg or omit with careful handling
Is This Recipe Kid-Friendly?
Absolutely—creamy mac and cheese and savory meatloaf are always a hit with kids
Can I Halve The Recipe?
Yes, prepare it in an 8×8-inch dish and reduce the baking times slightly
Conclusion
Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate in comfort food fusion—rich, cheesy, meaty, and oh-so-satisfying. With easy prep and familiar ingredients, it’s a guaranteed family favorite that brings together two dinner classics in one unforgettable dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, leftovers, or feeding a crowd, this casserole will quickly earn a place in your regular dinner rotation.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Dig into more cheesy, comforting, and meaty favorites to serve alongside or follow your Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole:
- Embrace more comfort with the rich and creamy Cheesy Golden Crust Mashed Potato Bake.
- Try the cheesy twist of a Cheesy Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole—a Southern-style bake everyone loves.
- Looking for a veggie-packed option? Don’t miss the Wholesome Cabbage Beef Bake.
- Make it a meal with buttery, pan-seared Crispy Stovetop Skillet Bread for dipping and scooping.
- End with indulgence: the retro-sweet Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding Delight makes a perfect dessert follow-up.
Mac And Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
A comforting fusion of two beloved classics—savory meatloaf and creamy mac and cheese—layered together for the ultimate family-friendly casserole.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 30 Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1 (2 oz) packet Lipton onion soup mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce
- 3 cups macaroni noodles
- 2 cups milk
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, onion soup mix, and eggs. Mix thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, mix ketchup and barbecue sauce. Add half of this mixture to the meat mixture and blend well.
- Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Spread the remaining ketchup-barbecue sauce mixture over the top.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- While the meatloaf is baking, cook macaroni noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together milk and condensed cheddar cheese soup until smooth. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder; mix well.
- Stir in cooked macaroni and 2 cups of the shredded cheese blend until evenly combined.
- After the meatloaf has baked for 30 minutes, remove it from the oven. Spread the macaroni and cheese mixture evenly over the meatloaf layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese blend over the top.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 17–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt and texture.
- Letting the casserole rest helps it set and makes slicing easier.
- For extra flavor, add a layer of cooked bacon bits between the meatloaf and mac layers.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 549
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 940mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 125mg